OVCAA Conducts Orientation to Welcome the New Faculty Members

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Teaching Community welcomed the new faculty members through a hybrid orientation last 06 October 2022. Led by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), the orientation provided a comprehensive overview of the teaching and learning approach at UPOU, the duties and responsibilities of a faculty member, and administrative matters. During the orientation, Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria welcomed the faculty members in UPOU and shared a glimpse of the University’s culture. Dr.  Diego S. Maranan, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) and Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) welcomed and imparted their respective messages to excite and challenge the new faculty members.

Former Director Ana Katrina T. Marcial of the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) presented the Faculty Dashboard which features what a regular faculty does and the UPOU workspace (via MyPortal) which contains micro-courses on online teaching and learning for their competencies. Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (A2VCAA) on Instruction and Special Projects, introduced the OVCAA website which contains information, materials and activities in relation to quality assurance, publications, micro-credentials for lifelong learning,  immersive technologies, open research, research ethics, linkages, and ODeL Faculty Development Program.  To address administrative concerns, HRDO Chief Michael P. Lagaya briefed the new faculty members about the university rules and regulations, as well as the HR-related matters and concerns. An open forum was done at the end of each presentation to address the questions and concerns of the new faculty members.

Testimonial videos on tips and advice on being an effective ODL teacher and inspiring experiences were also shared to the new faculty members by some faculty members namely Asst. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan for FMDS, Asst. Prof. Maria Rowena Dr. Raymundo for FEd, and Asst. Prof. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. for FICS. The foregoing activity was attended by 23 new faculty members (7 from FEd, 11 from FICS, and 5 from FMDS), 4 Support Staff, 12 UPOU administrators, and regular faculty members, and 11 organizing team members.

Written by Ivy Rosemarie Ortiguero

Edited by Myra C. Almodiel, Yasele Yambao and Anna Cañas-Llamas